Is recovery quicker?
One study looked at the recovery of patients who had either a two-incision or standard hip replacement. The characteristics of patients in both groups were the same, and all surgeries were performed by one surgeon. The study found that patients who underwent the standard hip replacement actually stopped using ambulatory aids (such as canes), returned to normal activities, and climbed stairs faster than patients who had the two-incision procedure.This study won the 2006 American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons Lawrence D. Dorr, MD Surgical Techniques & Technologies Award that is given to studies of superb scientific technique and significant clinical impact.
Do they walk better?
The other study compared the gait (walking) of patients who underwent both a two-incision and a standard hip replacement. They used sophisticated gait analysis to measure different aspects of gait in a precise manner. This study found no significant difference between the two groups of patients in either the early (8 week) or late (1 year) recovery period.Where it Stands
Two-incision hip replacements are not necessarily worse than a standard hip replacement, but it is becoming harder to argue that they are better. As time passes, more studies are being done to compare these procedures, and many of the theoretical advantages of the two-incision technique (including faster recovery) are not being found in practice.Unfortunately, the only way to know if this two-incision technique is better or worse is to study the procedure in large groups of patients over long periods of time. Both proponents and critics of the procedure acknowledge that no one knows the final answer just yet.
Sources:
Porucznik, MA "Award-winning study debunks advantages of two-incision THA" AAOS Now; American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons Vol 1, No 1, Jan/Feb 2007, page 45.
